Big Easy Rosé

This is classic rose that can be enjoyed with or without food.

The Shiraz and Viognier grapes were harvested from individually-selected, low-yielding trellised vines from northwest-facing vineyards within the Stellenbosch appellation. With an altitude of approximately 250 metres above sea level, together with the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean, the ripening period can be extended, resulting in wines with phenolic ripeness.

Hand-picked grapes arrive at the winery in the mornings. The whole bunches are transferred straight into the membrane press. This whole bunch press action help to preserve fruit and floral aromas while preventing the extraction of phenols or tannins from the skins. The pressed juiced is settled and racked before being inoculated for fermentation. After fermentation is complete the rosé wine is transferred to old barrels for a 3-month period and left on its fine lees. Before bottling the wine is racked from the barrels, stabilized and filtered to ensure a fresh and aromatic wine in bottle.

As one of South Africa's leading ambassadors and one of the most recognizable faces in the world of sport it is befitting that Ernie chose Stellenbosch to produce his wines. In 1999 the concept of Ernie Els Wines was born and with the help of award-winning winemaker Louis Strydom they produced the maiden 2000 vintage of Ernie Els - a 'classic' Bordeaux blend. The intention from the outset was to focus on delivering a quality product that could hold its own in the company of the world's finest wines.